Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance

Debated in Parliament on 1 Mar 2022.

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Leon Perera proposed that all government-funded survey datasets be published by default, with personal information removed and exceptions only for national security or commercial sensitivity.
The government representative explained that while many survey results are published, some datasets are withheld due to confidentiality risks, even after anonymization, especially for small-sample or longitudinal studies.
The government balances transparency with data protection, sharing sensitive data only with vetted researchers under safeguards, as seen in the HELIOS health study which will provide public summaries and restricted access to datasets.

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Leon Perera

Mr Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister whether the comprehensive data sets of all surveys funded by the Government, including nationwide health surveys such as HELIOS (Health for Life in Singapore), can be published as a default policy stance, with safeguards to remove personal identifiable information and with exceptions for not publishing granted only on the basis of national security or commercial sensitivity considerations.

Mrs Josephine Teo (for the Prime Minister)

The Government conducts and commissions surveys across a range of issues. Survey findings are used to improve policy formulation, service delivery and communications. We strike a balance between putting out sufficient data to inform and enable robust policy discussions against considerations such as personal data protection, the sensitivity of the survey findings, and whether the data could be used adversely by hostile actors

Many survey findings are published. Examples include the annual Labour Force Survey, the five-yearly Household Expenditure Survey and detailed Census of Population releases.

However, specific datasets may not be suitable for publication. Survey respondents often give their consent on the understanding that their responses will be kept confidential. They entrust their personal data in confidence, and we take this seriously. Removing personal identifiable information is not enough. Parts of a dataset can involve very small samples which heightens the risk of re-identifying survey respondents significantly. This is especially so for longitudinal panel surveys. Instead, we may share more sensitive data directly with researchers looking into relevant topics, with additional safeguards.

The Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) study which the Member raised is a longitudinal panel health study led by the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, in partnership with National Healthcare Group and Imperial College London. A summary of the research results will be made widely available to the public via the HELIOS website. There are also plans to make relevant datasets available to the wider research community, to enable impactful health research collaborations. Academics interested in diving deeper with the data may contact MOH to find out more about this.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Leon Perera proposed that all government-funded survey datasets be published by default, with personal information removed and exceptions only for national security or commercial sensitivity.
The government representative explained that while many survey results are published, some datasets are withheld due to confidentiality risks, even after anonymization, especially for small-sample or longitudinal studies.
The government balances transparency with data protection, sharing sensitive data only with vetted researchers under safeguards, as seen in the HELIOS health study which will provide public summaries and restricted access to datasets.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance | PAPERCUTS

Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance

Debated in Parliament on 1 Mar 2022.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Leon Perera proposed that all government-funded survey datasets be published by default, with personal information removed and exceptions only for national security or commercial sensitivity.
The government representative explained that while many survey results are published, some datasets are withheld due to confidentiality risks, even after anonymization, especially for small-sample or longitudinal studies.
The government balances transparency with data protection, sharing sensitive data only with vetted researchers under safeguards, as seen in the HELIOS health study which will provide public summaries and restricted access to datasets.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Leon Perera

Mrs Josephine Teo (for the Prime Minister)

Many survey findings are published. Examples include the annual Labour Force Survey, the five-yearly Household Expenditure Survey and detailed Census of Population releases.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Leon Perera proposed that all government-funded survey datasets be published by default, with personal information removed and exceptions only for national security or commercial sensitivity.
The government representative explained that while many survey results are published, some datasets are withheld due to confidentiality risks, even after anonymization, especially for small-sample or longitudinal studies.
The government balances transparency with data protection, sharing sensitive data only with vetted researchers under safeguards, as seen in the HELIOS health study which will provide public summaries and restricted access to datasets.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance

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Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Leon Perera

Mrs Josephine Teo (for the Prime Minister)

Summary

Questions Identified

Proposal for Data Sets from Government-funded Surveys to be Published as Default Policy Stance

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Leon Perera

Mrs Josephine Teo (for the Prime Minister)

Summary

Questions Identified